surely somebody on here can help me. i've been having a lot of different problems with tin lizzie. right now, let me just ask this one question. my top stitching looks fine but the bobbin thread on underneath side looks like it is just kinda laying there, i can't pull it out or anything like that loose, it's not looped, but just does not look like the top thread. what i don't know is which tension should i fix - top or bottom and should one or the other be tightened or loosened?
donna

Do you own a Towa Gauge, if so, use that to set your bobbin thread first. If not, use the drop test to test your bobbin. Then adjust your top thread to your bobbin thread. Sounds like your bobbin thread is too loose. Go to Superior Threads-there is an awesome tug of war thread tension diagram to follow.

http://www.superiorthreads.com/educa...-tension-works

I bought a Towa gauge and it really does help.

Where can I get a Towa gauge? What is a good price?
Does it come with instructions? Is one size fits all?

ditto ditto

can you go to there website for help maybe someone can walk you through steps

These instructions on how to set the tension on your Tin LIzzie were posted by another board member. Worked for me!

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-114933-1.htm

i googled towa guage and i found it and watched video on how it works. they make one for the top tension also. it cost $67.95, does that sound about right? i think i'll order one and might order the other one for the top tension, don't know how much that was, it would be well worth it though to get my tensions right on. no how about that drop test u mentioned?
donna

Play with the bobbin tension...I do the drop test and with my tension I have to kinda shake the string before the bobbin starts to drop...it works for me...it is just all in re-adjusting tension and testing until it is just right....also it depends on the weight of the thread...are both top and bottom the same thread weight or different..cotton or poly it all makes a difference in tension settings....Try watching this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTmT-...eature=related

i've been using signature thread from red rock threads, 40 weight, 100% cotton in both top and bottom.